My hinge has cracked :(

[johnnypark]

So, I noticed today that the left hinge on my DS Lite has cracked. I saw all the hoopla about it when this 1st became an issue (maybe 2-3 months after launch?) and I know Nintendo will fix them for free, but has anyone else had this happen?

I know it doesn't really effect anything and it still works fine, but I'm afraid that A) it's going to get worse or B) if I ever sell or trade it that it'll hurt it's value. Since Nintendo fixes it for free is it worth my time and energy to get it done? Or should I just not care?

BTW if this has been discussed at any great length before then sorry for the new thread, but I couldn't find any threads about it,

[bruin]

My hinge is cracked. I'm not going to call Nintendo until it get a lot worse though, because right now it's just cosmetic.

I know it's possible that it can get bad and the thing can break right in half.

[magiic]

my girlfriends came out of the box cracked

[doomlv20]

Reading this made me look at my DS and my grilfriend's DS. Sadly her DS has the hinge crack, even worse hers is a Navy Blue Japanese DS lite so there's no way I can get NoA to replace it :(

[iazybandit]

So, I noticed today that the left hinge on my DS Lite has cracked. I saw all the hoopla about it when this 1st became an issue (maybe 2-3 months after launch?) and I know Nintendo will fix them for free, but has anyone else had this happen?

I know it doesn't really effect anything and it still works fine, but I'm afraid that A) it's going to get worse or B) if I ever sell or trade it that it'll hurt it's value. Since Nintendo fixes it for free is it worth my time and energy to get it done? Or should I just not care?

BTW if this has been discussed at any great length before then sorry for the new thread, but I couldn't find any threads about it,
What color is your DS? I havent heard anything cracking on the black DS which is what I have.

[yakkotank]

Just noticed mine two weeks ago - I called Nintendo, sent mine in (at my expense), and they sent me a new DS (for no additional cost).

[johnnypark]

What color is your DS? I havent heard anything cracking on the black DS which is what I have.

Launch day, iPod-wannabe Polar White. It hasn't given me any problems otherwise, and I play it pretty regularly, probably more than most people.

[iazybandit]

Just noticed mine two weeks ago - I called Nintendo, sent mine in (at my expense), and they sent me a new DS (for no additional cost).
The outter casing is new, but the innards such as mobo, screens are refurbs. Like for the DS you sent in, they'll just take the casing off, slap on a new one and send it out to those who needs a replacement. This goes for all exchanges done through manufacturer. Costs them pratically nothing and they dont lose anything except for housing and shipping.

[johnnypark]

The outter casing is new, but the innards such as mobo, screens are refurbs. Like for the DS you sent in, they'll just take the casing off, slap on a new one and send it out to those who needs a replacement. This goes for all exchanges done through manufacturer. Costs them pratically nothing and they dont lose anything except for housing and shipping.

Hmm... I wonder if they just replace the top portion since that's where the crack is, or if they re-do the whole thing? I have half a mind to call and ask if they could give me a black top instead of a white one, and get a 1/2 white 1/2 black one. That would be so awesome.

[Rasen]

The outter casing is new, but the innards such as mobo, screens are refurbs. Like for the DS you sent in, they'll just take the casing off, slap on a new one and send it out to those who needs a replacement. This goes for all exchanges done through manufacturer. Costs them pratically nothing and they dont lose anything except for housing and shipping.

True as this may be, you still have to give them credit for their swift customer service.

My DS lite was cracked, I called them, they sent me a label for me to use when shipping, and I got a replacement within the week.

[wubb]

Hmm... I wonder if they just replace the top portion since that's where the crack is, or if they re-do the whole thing? I have half a mind to call and ask if they could give me a black top instead of a white one, and get a 1/2 white 1/2 black one. That would be so awesome.

From what I've heard they won't give you a different color on a repair or replace service. Given that I don't think there's any way they'd do a 50/50 white/black job.

My hinge is cracked, but I still haven't gotten around to contacting N for the repair. There is a big thread dealing with this I think, but maybe it's time to start with a fresh one, plus I'm too lazy to track it down ATM. :mrgreen:

[jarvis307]

*sigh.. mine is now cracked too. after my gf's done w/ rocket slime, i'll call to have it fixed.

[dmaul1114]

I noticed mine was cracked the other day too.

I'm not worrying about it though. My screens are perfect (no stuck or dead pixels) so I don't want to risk an exchange for something that's just cosmetic.

[kell]

For those with cracks, did your screen make a high pitch clicking sound when it snaps into place? I have a fat one as well and it doesn't click, it sorta thuds into place. My lite isn't cracked, but I am worried that it will.

[Puffa469]

My DSl had the cracked hinge for a while, but then it actually started crapping out on me and crashing all the time, so I called Nintendo.

They sent me out a refurb DSl and a return shipping slip to send my old one back to them. The refurb DSl was newer than new, you could not tell that it was a refurb. I sent my old unit back and have been happy ever since. Cost me nothing, and I was only without a lite for about 4 days. 4 loooong days tho, cos I was in the middle of CV:PoR, lol.

[DrediKnight]

Yep my hinge just cracked again as well. This is the fourth ds I have had this problem on. This is a manufacturing/design defect. All four have been the polar white model. The first three were replaced gratis by NOA, but this time around they want to charge me 75$. I'm bummed. I may look into buying a replacement case from a third party and changing it myself. Anyone know if those shock cases are any good?

[johnnypark]

Yep my hinge just cracked again as well. This is the fourth ds I have had this problem on. This is a manufacturing/design defect.

Hmm...Well, my warranty is good til August or so, a year from when they came out. I think I'm going to wait to contact them so that if there is a recurring problem I'll get the maximum use out of my warranty.

It seems as though this problem isn't as consistent w/ the other colors? I'm considering selling my white and buying an onyx if that's the case, is it worth my trouble?

[jarvis307]

well i dug up the old thread:
http://cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100936

according to the 2nd to last post, nintendo isn't fixing this anymore :( i'll try anyways in a few weeks.

[iazybandit]

Yep my hinge just cracked again as well. This is the fourth ds I have had this problem on. This is a manufacturing/design defect. All four have been the polar white model. The first three were replaced gratis by NOA, but this time around they want to charge me 75$. I'm bummed. I may look into buying a replacement case from a third party and changing it myself. Anyone know if those shock cases are any good?
I remember seeing a picture on the web that had the same problem with cracked hinges

[iazybandit]

Hmm... I wonder if they just replace the top portion since that's where the crack is, or if they re-do the whole thing? I have half a mind to call and ask if they could give me a black top instead of a white one, and get a 1/2 white 1/2 black one. That would be so awesome.
They dont change it on yours..they just give you whatever is laying around in stock that has already been repaired.

[iazybandit]

True as this may be, you still have to give them credit for their swift customer service.

My DS lite was cracked, I called them, they sent me a label for me to use when shipping, and I got a replacement within the week.
I'm not doubting or complaining about their CS even though I havent contacted them ever. Just letting users know that they are technically getting a BRAND NEW system. It just looks new.

[eau]

my girlfriend's came out of the box cracked
Fixed.

Otherwise, it could bear a totally different meaning ;)

[alison]

Yep my hinge just cracked again as well. This is the fourth ds I have had this problem on. This is a manufacturing/design defect. All four have been the polar white model. The first three were replaced gratis by NOA, but this time around they want to charge me 75$. I'm bummed. I may look into buying a replacement case from a third party and changing it myself. Anyone know if those shock cases are any good?

The same thing happened to me. After the 4th white DSL hinge cracked, I wrote an e-mail to NOA describing the problem and how I'd replaced my original DSL 3x already and the same problem occurred. 2 days later, I received a call from a representative that offered to send me a brand new (not refurbished) DSL in the color of my choice - I went with pink. Granted, it took about 2 weeks, since I had to send my cracked DSL to their headquarters in Redmond WA, but well worth it IMO.

[gimmepilotwings]

The same thing happened to me. After the 4th white DSL hinge cracked, I wrote an e-mail to NOA describing the problem and how I'd replaced my original DSL 3x already and the same problem occurred. 2 days later, I received a call from a representative that offered to send me a brand new (not refurbished) DSL in the color of my choice - I went with pink. Granted, it took about 2 weeks, since I had to send my cracked DSL to their headquarters in Redmond WA, but well worth it IMO.

Awesome.

Nintendo has some of the best CS around.

[alison]

Awesome.

Nintendo has some of the best CS around.

They truly do. When the CS rep called me, he was more than polite, and literally said, "We want you to be happy with your purchase." I have yet to find a company with better CS than Nintendo (and given the state of companies today, I seriously doubt I will!).

[anarchyburger]

i got a launch ds lite and minez barely cracked in like january... but IMO i think it is worth your time and energy, it is free and they are really quick about it cuz they sent my ds back to me in less than a week (3-4 days if i do recall)

[eau]

Do you have to have the DS purchased within 1 year (the warranty period) in order to get a free hinge fix? Also, how do they fix it, by giving it a new shell/case, or giving you a refurbished DS?

[DrediKnight]

The same thing happened to me. After the 4th white DSL hinge cracked, I wrote an e-mail to NOA describing the problem and how I'd replaced my original DSL 3x already and the same problem occurred. 2 days later, I received a call from a representative that offered to send me a brand new (not refurbished) DSL in the color of my choice - I went with pink. Granted, it took about 2 weeks, since I had to send my cracked DSL to their headquarters in Redmond WA, but well worth it IMO.

Nice! I'm gonna give it a try. Did you use the email form on nintendo.com or do you have a different addy? When my 2nd one broke I tried to swap it out for a black one, but they would not do it. The polar white ones hinge has problems and I'm hoping to get one that is more durable. I looked into the shock replcaement cases (the chrome one looks nice) and will go that route if NOA will not make good on this.

[iazybandit]

Do you have to have the DS purchased within 1 year (the warranty period) in order to get a free hinge fix? Also, how do they fix it, by giving it a new shell/case, or giving you a refurbished DS?
As I stated, they'll just send another DS. They keep your DS and send out a refurb DS to you. This saves them time and it gets to you quicker. The serial number probably wouldnt match what is on your box. While they keep yours to repair, they'll probably send it out to a warehouse or in-house that does repairs. Once they repair it (no rush for them since they already sent your replacement), they'll just put it on a shelf or stock somewhere until someone has a problem with their DS, they'll just grab your DS and give it to someone else.

Depending on the situation and condition of damage, it may just be a shell change or a total gut/replacement.

[anarchyburger]

Do you have to have the DS purchased within 1 year (the warranty period) in order to get a free hinge fix? Also, how do they fix it, by giving it a new shell/case, or giving you a refurbished DS? there is a one year warranty on you ds i believe...

and about the refurbished or new shell thing, i guess it all depends...

i have a launch ds lite and i know for sure that it is the same ds but with a different shell, i know for sure because i have hori screen protectors on it and the rubber grips on the back and my shoulder buttons are a lil off white instead of just plain white and when i got it back it was all the same except i noticed the serial code sticker is a lil misplaced and falling off

but supposedly there is a new shell for the ds lite where the hinges wont crack like the older ones but if they do then i guess they just send you a refurbished ds lite instead of just fixing it like they did to minez so yeah...

[iazybandit]

there is a one year warranty on you ds i believe...

and about the refurbished or new shell thing, i guess it all depends...

i have a launch ds lite and i know for sure that it is the same ds but with a different shell, i know for sure because i have hori screen protectors on it and the rubber grips on the back and my shoulder buttons are a lil off white instead of just plain white and when i got it back it was all the same except i noticed the serial code sticker is a lil misplaced and falling off

but supposedly there is a new shell for the ds lite where the hinges wont crack like the older ones but if they do then i guess they just send you a refurbished ds lite instead of just fixing it like they did to minez so yeah...
I guess companies handle things differently. And with the serial code sticker being misplaced and falling off, they probably did remove it and placed it on a new shell.

[alison]

Nice! I'm gonna give it a try. Did you use the email form on nintendo.com or do you have a different addy? When my 2nd one broke I tried to swap it out for a black one, but they would not do it. The polar white ones hinge has problems and I'm hoping to get one that is more durable. I looked into the shock replcaement cases (the chrome one looks nice) and will go that route if NOA will not make good on this.

I used the e-mail form on nintendo.com. It takes a couple of days for them to get back to you, but it works. Don't mention anything about wanting to trade it in for a different color, though, since that'll just look a bit suspicious - simply describe what you've gone thru over the months with having each system crack, emphasize that you don't misuse your DSL (hasn't been dropped/kicked/stomped/sat on/etc.), that you're a loyal customer...I'm sure you get the point by now, but feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. :)

[Asgardian]

I'm a bit confused. Did the DSL cracked due to use or did you drop it or something?

I got my DSL Black a few months ago, and I've accidently opened it "flat" a few times (my kid pulled the upper screen while I was playing).. but luckly have not noticed any problems yet..

[dmaul1114]

It's just normal wear and tear. I've never dropped mine or anything. It's just a design defect and most of them seem to be cracking sooner or later.

That said its a barely noticeable cosmetic flaw, and doesn't effect the opening/closing of the system or anything else, so it's not big deal unless your anal and have to have your stuff in mint condition.

I'm not and will live with mine since the screens are perfect. No sense risking getting one with pixel issues etc. to replace a problem that doesn't bother me at all.

[zer0-cool]

Just to let everyone know incase you didnt.....if you register your dsl on nintendos website it extends the warranty.cant remember if its a 30 or 90 day extention.

[ITDEFX]

Just to let everyone know incase you didnt.....if you register your dsl on nintendos website it extends the warranty.cant remember if its a 30 or 90 day extention.

Nintendo is by far the best between the 3 company's when it comes to customer care :) my ds fat hinge cracked, send it off and within two weeks it was fixed :) I got my warranty extended for another year too :)

[nesfan8222]

I live in los angeles and i mailed off my hinge cracked dsl on a monday night to get it back thursday afternoon that same week. I was expecting a quick turn around but not that fast :D

[vivafriend5]

I was always afraid one of my DS hinges might crack, it's yet to happen, but I'm sure it's coming my way!

[genoboost]

My DS Lite got a crack, but that enough didn't make me want to send it in, eventually I had some other issues with the system (freezing, not reading game cards, OTHER HINGE BROKE!) So I sent mine back recently, got it back FAST, about 3 days. They also paid all shipping costs as well so didn't cost me a dime. amazing customer service. Since I had other issues with my DS they completely replaced my DSL with a new one, so sorry I can't help you on whether they will send you a whole new one just for a cracked hinge or not.

You can check out the major hinge crackage (meaning cracked and completely broke off) on my old DS here if at all interested http://gamemusic4all.blogspot.com/2007/01/ds-noooo.html

[johnnypark]

My DS Lite got a crack, but that enough didn't make me want to send it in, eventually I had some other issues with the system (freezing, not reading game cards, OTHER HINGE BROKE!) So I sent mine back recently, got it back FAST, about 3 days. They also paid all shipping costs as well so didn't cost me a dime. amazing customer service. Since I had other issues with my DS they completely replaced my DSL with a new one, so sorry I can't help you on whether they will send you a whole new one just for a cracked hinge or not.

You can check out the major hinge crackage (meaning cracked and completely broke off) on my old DS here if at all interested http://gamemusic4all.blogspot.com/2007/01/ds-noooo.html

Oh man, that looks awful! And my warranty is up in June... I'll probably have to send it in before then, if it has the potential to get that much worse!

[magiic]

I guess if warranty is a year I'll wait a bit longer before I send mine in. I bought it 2nd week of november of last year.

[angrywolf]

Remember when this started happening and Nintendo stated that "less than 0.02 percent of the total number of DS Lites sold has the problem":lol:.

I bought mine when the DS Lites first came out and I just started playing it and lo and behold...I just got the famous crack on the left hinge on my system:bomb:

My question is, should I replace it? I really don't care, but I'm wondering if it'll get worse over time, and then I'll start to care...especially since my warranty will expire in June...

[dmaul1114]

From what I've heard from people who had there's crack months ago, it hasn't gotten anyworse.

It's just cosmetic damage, and once it cracks thats it. It just cracked as there was tension in that one spot. Once it cracks that's gone and there's nothing else to worry about as long as you can live with the crack.

As I said, I can as my screens are perfect and I don't want to hassle with worrying about getting one with a muddy screen or dead/stuck pixels etc.

[angrywolf]

From what I've heard from people who had there's crack months ago, it hasn't gotten anyworse.

It's just cosmetic damage, and once it cracks thats it. It just cracked as there was tension in that one spot. Once it cracks that's gone and there's nothing else to worry about as long as you can live with the crack.

As I said, I can as my screens are perfect and I don't want to hassle with worrying about getting one with a muddy screen or dead/stuck pixels etc.

Awesome, I might just keep it then, as I really don't care and I'm just concerned that it'll get worse. On the other hand, if I do return it, I'm wondering what the likelihood of it cracking again is...

[Jayayess1190]

My hinge has cracked too. I'll send it to Nintendo in july, right before the warranty ends.

[rapsodist]

I live in los angeles and i mailed off my hinge cracked dsl on a monday night to get it back thursday afternoon that same week. I was expecting a quick turn around but not that fast :D

That's probably because there's a Nintendo repair center nearby in Chatsworth. I have the good fortune to be able to drive 10 minutes over there and get my Nintendo products fixed while I wait. That said, I've never even needed to have anything fixed! :)

[Dingleberry]

I've had mine for almost a year now and it jus now has the crack down up on that left hinge. I have the Gamestop warrenty plan....do you think there's anyway I can return it and get a different colored ds?

[tekkenlaw]

Mine is cracked too, since I got the warranty do you think I can get a new one from gamestop?

[rygar]

So, just for clarification, the problem with the cracking is affecting white ds lites only? I'm getting a black one soon and you guys are starting to make me worried.

[munch]

My hinge cracked too!

I called Nintendo up and they are going to a warranty repair. It was the easiest thing ever. The phone call lasted less than 4 minutes. I should get mine repaired within two weeks! That's great.

[TimPV3]

Hmm... I wonder if they just replace the top portion since that's where the crack is, or if they re-do the whole thing? I have half a mind to call and ask if they could give me a black top instead of a white one, and get a 1/2 white 1/2 black one. That would be so awesome.I think that would look fucking retarded. IMO, of course.

[Metalfan036]

Mine hasn't cracked yet, gotta check the girlfriends though.....



hey by the way, can you guys see my signature? it should be all my Friend codes, it won't display on my computer screen for some reason. only in preview mode

[Metalfan036]

nevermind, i see it now.

my-bad

[dratsacras]

So, just for clarification, the problem with the cracking is affecting white ds lites only? I'm getting a black one soon and you guys are starting to make me worried.

I bought a black one in mid-February, I treat it very gingerly, and it's already got a hinge crack. So... no.

[AshesofWake]

found a crack on my DS lite yesterday, I check a few times a week for the crack, and it finally showed up ;_;

the thing is, not sure if i should call up Nintendo yet or not. I do have Hori screen protectors on it, so i really don't feel like doing anything since it seems fine atm. blah i dunno..

[Moxio]

Wow, this cracking business is very intimidating to potential buyers.

[wubb]

Wow, this cracking business is very intimidating to potential buyers.

It's just cosmetic afaik, but definitely a real pita. I still need to call Nintendo about having mine repaired. I'll probably end up just letting the full year go by and not bother doing it. Don't really feel like being without my DS for a week or two. The past few months I haven't played it much and should have gotten it taken care of then. Oh well.

[munch]

I should be getting mine back this week. Very fast.

[Rocko]

Wow, this cracking business is very intimidating to potential buyers.

Indeed. It's the one thing I'm worried about now that I've got a DS Lite. I don't think I'd be as bothered if it wasn't for the fact that getting it repaired means you get a refurbed DS... and I'd hate to trade in a pristine DS for one that's been scratched up.

[Rasen]

Indeed. It's the one thing I'm worried about now that I've got a DS Lite. I don't think I'd be as bothered if it wasn't for the fact that getting it repaired means you get a refurbed DS... and I'd hate to trade in a pristine DS for one that's been scratched up.

Ok, see, there's a reason why people PRAISE Nintendo's customer service. You're not going to get a scratched up DS lite.

[iazybandit]

Indeed. It's the one thing I'm worried about now that I've got a DS Lite. I don't think I'd be as bothered if it wasn't for the fact that getting it repaired means you get a refurbed DS... and I'd hate to trade in a pristine DS for one that's been scratched up.
All they are going to do is just change the housing on the DS Lite.

[Rocko]

Ok, see, there's a reason why people PRAISE Nintendo's customer service. You're not going to get a scratched up DS lite.

I'm aware of their customer service quality. It's still bothersome, however, knowing that you won't be receiving your own DS back.

Although, iazy's comment above this post leads me to believe you do actually get your own DS back, which is surprising. I thought they gave you a refurb, and sent yours out to someone else down the road once they fix it.

Either way, I don't doubt Nintendo.

[blunty]

sent mine in after the hinge cracked, with a note inside indicating that i would prefer that they repair/fixed rather than send back a refurb. i had hori protectors on both screens. i thought they would fix it, since their csr insisted that i send a note with mine, but removed the protectors anyway just in case. sure enough, when i got it back, the ds was replaced. different s/n. luckily, it did not have any dead or stuck pixels and the screens were mounted straight. volume slider is looser than my original one and the replacement has a shorter battery life than before.

what the csr may not tell you is that you should keep the stylus and the slot-2 cover when you send yours in for repairs. i would also keep the battery, unless it's shitty.

[jarvis307]

i sent mine in last week for the hinge crack and got it back today. 7 day turn around. i got back a ds lite with the same serial number so i assume its the same one i sent in w/ just the hinge replaced.

they may have installed something backwards as the top clam now snaps into place when i open it about 10 degrees and no longer snaps into place when opened to 170 degrees. anybody else have this happen to them?

[SL4IN]

I noticed one morning after waking up to play some puzzle quest that my left hinge was cracked too. I'm assuming it's just a hardware defect since I don't throw my ds around and I'm not rough with it either. I also have a ds phat with a broken top screen. anyone know if I send it in to nintendo they'll fix it for a fee?

[spoo]

I bought my DS lite on launch day and my hinge just cracked. It is a rather large crack but my DS has had other problems also (It won't read DS games sometimes and sometimes the low battery light won't come on before it dies.) Other then that my DS is in great shape without one scratch and I have played it to death.

I will be giving Nintendo a call later.

[Malevoiy]

Alright, so my Lites hinge cracked a couple days ago. Today I called up Nintendo to get it sent in and replaced/repaired. The guy told me that the hinge crack isn't covered under warranty and that I was going to have to pay $75 to get it replaced. So what the heck am I supposed to do to get these people to give me a new freakin DS, because I am not paying $75 for their freaking design flaw.

[halu102]

Alright, so my Lites hinge cracked a couple days ago. Today I called up Nintendo to get it sent in and replaced/repaired. The guy told me that the hinge crack isn't covered under warranty and that I was going to have to pay $75 to get it replaced. So what the heck am I supposed to do to get these people to give me a new freakin DS, because I am not paying $75 for their freaking design flaw.
Just live with it. It's only cosmetical. Mine has been cracked for a while, and still operates perfectly fine.

[munch]

I bought my DS Lite BEFORE launch (thanks Target), and I got my broken hinge fixed a month ago. Call again because Nintendo will fix it.

[Miranda]

I just got my launch DS Lite back today. I sent it to them to get the crack fixed on Monday. Very fast turnaround time.

It has the same serial number as before. I also sent mine without a battery and got a battery sent back with it. When I turned it on, it went through the settings screens again. I'm not sure if they replaced the insides of my DS as well as the part with the cracked hinge... or if it's like that because I sent it off to them without a battery in it and the memory was reset.

At least I have it back and it works fine with no dead pixels. It doesn't make the loud clicking sound anymore when I open it up all the way, I'm guessing that's a good sign that it won't crack again.

To Malevoiy, just try again if you want your Lite fixed. Mine was still covered under warranty and I didn't have to pay anything to ship it or get it fixed.

[daroga]

I've had a launch Lite imported from Japan and have no crack issues. I wonder why some of these are goofing up.

[halu102]

I've had a launch Lite imported from Japan and have no crack issues. I wonder why some of these are goofing up.
If I remember yours is the light blue one. And I don't find it that surprising since most of these cases were with the white American ones.

[Miranda]

I didn't notice my hinge was cracked until after I played Hotel Dusk (playing with my Lite open all the way) back at the end of January. I have played other games before where you're more likely to play with the DS all the way open (Brain Age), but I don't think it was cracked back then. But who knows, it could've been cracked for a long time before I noticed it.

I guess they did replace the insides of my Lite too because it has a new MAC address and now I have to reset all of my friend codes.

[Havoc1701]

Just noticed a cracked hinge this morning. With only two days left on the one year warranty I called the big N right away. After the initial exchange of information the CS rep put me on hold for a minute, when he came back he started saying how the crack is caused by physical trauma, blah blah blah... BUT, since this was a launch unit they would fix it for free. Whew... I thought for a second they were going to pull a Microsoft and make me pay for their design defect. And, for the record, this DS Lite has been babied since day one. So it looks like I'll be sending two packages out this week, a dead 360 and a cracked DS Lite. UPS must be loving this.

)-(

http://i9.tinypic.com/6bud20j.jpg
This just isn't my day.

[furyk]

Got my DS Lite back today, pixels fixed and hinge uncracked. It's like getting that new DS Lite smell without the price of a new DS! Hurrah. Now to make sure this one doesn't get scratched to high heaven.

[gizmo29]

thank god I have a nintendo service center in my city. All I had to do was tell them about the defect, take down my information, and recieve a new ds lite. It took a grand total of 5 minutes

[TimPV3]

Just live with it. It's only cosmetical. Mine has been cracked for a while, and still operates perfectly fine.If I want an ugly DS, I'd paint it poop brown.

[NintendoGal]

Just want to note to those who are thinking about the replacement shock cases for the DSL that those may not be the best route either.

Before the NDScentral forums got wiped there were many people complaining they had hinge cracks only after a little bit of usage iirc.

So if you do go that route, be warned that their claims about getting rid of the hinge cracking issue seem to be false.

[dmaul1114]

Just live with it. It's only cosmetical. Mine has been cracked for a while, and still operates perfectly fine.

Same here. Doesn't bother me at all. Not worth the risk of getting a unit with dead/stuck pixels when mine has pristine screens.

[Tybee]

Well my launch day polar white DS Lite finally just blew a hinge. Thought I was in the clear by this point, but apparently not.

So it's almost three months after the last post here. Any hope of getting Nintendo to fix this? I registered my unit as soon as I got it. No idea if my warranty's still good. Probably not. I may try to live with it for a while, as my system is in great shape in all other respects, and the idea of having to reset all of my friend codes, plus the specter of possible dead pixels or an otherwise gimped replacement scares me.

On the other hand, suddenly my system is occasionally not reading DS carts on the first power up, which is worrisome. I don't know what to do. =(

[utopianmachine]

Edit: Shit. Screwed up my post. No way I'm going to retype all that.

[Tybee]

Edit: Shit. Screwed up my post. No way I'm going to retype all that.

Umm...Thanks? :roll:

[johnnypark]

Well my launch day polar white DS Lite finally just blew a hinge. Thought I was in the clear by this point, but apparently not.

So it's almost three months after the last post here. Any hope of getting Nintendo to fix this? I registered my unit as soon as I got it. No idea if my warranty's still good. Probably not. I may try to live with it for a while, as my system is in great shape in all other respects, and the idea of having to reset all of my friend codes, plus the specter of possible dead pixels or an otherwise gimped replacement scares me.

On the other hand, suddenly my system is occasionally not reading DS carts on the first power up, which is worrisome. I don't know what to do. =(

My system doesn't read carts once in awhile, too, but I haven't noticed it getting any worse or frequent.

Regarding your hinge, I'm happy to say that since my original post in March, my DS is in otherwise perfect shape. The crack hasn't gotten any worse and it's completely functional, so based on my own experience I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Tybee]

My system doesn't read carts once in awhile, too, but I haven't noticed it getting any worse or frequent.

Regarding your hinge, I'm happy to say that since my original post in March, my DS is in otherwise perfect shape. The crack hasn't gotten any worse and it's completely functional, so based on my own experience I wouldn't worry about it too much.

That's comforting and makes me feel a little less paranoid. Thanks!

[monkeydeew]

when my hinge cracked i asked nintendo and they didnt mention anything about replacing it for free. i bought it only about a month after launch. however when my power button crapped out they quickly sent me a new one in exchange for my messed up one. it had two dead pixels but i dont really care it was nice to get a new white ds :)

[v|_@mé]

my polar white one is really bad, it has the hinge cracked on both sides now, i wonder if i can get them to do it for free. i called them last week and they said walk it in for $56.

http://thumbnails16.imagebam.com/2433/6ddd0b24329094.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6ddd0b24329094)
vert
http://thumbnails14.imagebam.com/2433/b8e6af24329098.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/b8e6af24329098)
hori
http://thumbnails11.imagebam.com/2433/b9d09a24329101.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/b9d09a24329101)
new
http://thumbnails5.imagebam.com/2433/ff58b524329103.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/ff58b524329103)
new
http://thumbnails15.imagebam.com/2433/6c4a6124329105.gif (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6c4a6124329105)
old crack

[Droenixjpn]

I find it stupid how they won't fix the hinge crack for free now if it's out of warranty. Honestly, the hinge breaks by itself and that is not the user's fault. It's the product's fault and therefore should be covered by Nintendo.

My Old DS had the hinge crack, but it did not fall apart, it just couldn't hold the screen up. So it'd either have to be held up by the person or it'd have to be played at a 180 degree angle.

[emg28]

Damn, I've never had the hinge crack on 3 DS lites. Well, one "hinge" was broken but that was due to abuse. It actually wasn't the hinge but the part between the hinge and the L button. That DS had to be replaced with a crimson DS after the top screen wouldn't work.

My beloved other half recently dropped my black DS and the part where the charge light is completely broke off. It still works, though. Gorilla glue FTW.

[ITDEFX]

Hinge cracking is still a problem? Good grief!

I had my hinge crack 2 years ago on my Fatty, but they fixed it for free.

Thinking of getting the DSi this year but with the hinge cracking problem porting over that is not good.

[Cameront9]

Hinge cracking is still a problem? Good grief!

I had my hinge crack 2 years ago on my Fatty, but they fixed it for free.

Thinking of getting the DSi this year but with the hinge cracking problem porting over that is not good.

I think it's more people who have launch DS Lites who are suddenly exhibiting the problem, not new DS Lites.

[crunchewy]

Actually my son's DS Lite, bought last year, just developed a hinge crack. :(

[dmaul1114]

The hinge on my launch DS lite cracked probably close to 2 years ago.

Still doesn't bother me as it works fine. *shrugs*

[keithp]

Anyone know if GS will accept a DS with a cracked hinge as part of their "trade in 2 DS games + your old DS" and get a new DS for $50 deal? Seems like a decent deal if your warranty is up and you have a couple of games for trade-in fodder.

[Jhuntley]

I didn't even notice the crack in my hinge until yours :(

[johnnypark]

Wow, almost 2 years to the day, I just noticed that my other hinge has cracked, as well. Anyone know if I should be concerned? I really don't want this to happen (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nVGyx975u38/Rgrp8T_0sEI/AAAAAAAAAZk/R8jRObY2NR4/s1600-h/Cracked_DS_Lite_01.jpg).

[auralia]

my crack got huge and the entire rt side of the courner of the ds cracked off while playing the guitar hero for ds.. i guess the hand grip put pressure on the crack?... i super glued it mine was a launch light and they quit fixing launch systems like a year ago at least that's what i remember being told... the superglue works, but i think game stop would notice it if i traded it in... i already bought a new one.

[dougstill]

My DS lite just had the hinge crack and then fell off. Is this covered if out of warranty?

[Squarehard]

Anyone know if GS will accept a DS with a cracked hinge as part of their "trade in 2 DS games + your old DS" and get a new DS for $50 deal? Seems like a decent deal if your warranty is up and you have a couple of games for trade-in fodder.

Unfortunately if its cracked they will not. The screen can be completely scratched like heck and dirty as hell, but if there is a crack in it, they are not allowed to accept it. But also depends on the guy there. If its a small hinge crack, I dont think they will care.

[oyabun]

My niece dropped her DS and broke the plastic area around the power indicator. Made it so the lid of the DS would become unhinged when opening it.

Took it to Gamestop during the extra $25 for system trade-in deal. GS tested it and deducted $20 from the trade-in as a refurbishing fee. She wound up with $50 trade-in credit.

[007]

Obviously this hasn't been much of an issue, but what about replacements for 'special' Lites? I.E. gold Zelda, red Mario, etc.

Is there any sort 'can't replace' window (within a reasonable time, obviously), or is it just sort of fairly indefinite?

This thread just spurred that thought on.

[rly723]

so i have the fat DS, stupidly bought it a month before the ds lites came out
. i rarely play it just on trips but i inspected the hinges, no cracks, but it seems a bit loose...might be an issue later on

[Skv012a]

Lites were purposely made of s*** plastic and since the hinge is #1 active part of the whole device, it gives out first. Also, whoever designed the innards of a DS Lite needs his fingers chopped off and fed to him.

[yoursisterspretty]

Well at least I'm not the only person who has had a launch unit just recently crack. Mine is barely noticeable and its getting traded in, hopefully for the full $70 towards a DSi. If not its $50 and it probably wouldn't get a lot more on eBay.

http://www.marcbutler.com/gaf/ds_lite.jpg

[shinryuu]

My Onyx/Cobalt DS Lite got a cracked hinge on the right side. Uggghh. Not much of a problem as it is on my brother's phat DS, but still.. it looks ugly. =[